Baghdad: The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) announced on Saturday that it is concluding its mandate after 22 years and will permanently depart from the country by the end of this month.
According to Jordan News Agency, UNAMI Chief Mohamed Al Hassan stated that the mission's departure follows a request from the Iraqi government. He emphasized the need for lifting sanctions on Iraqi banks as a crucial step for achieving sustainable development.
Al Hassan highlighted that the United Nations respects the wishes of host countries and acknowledged that no mission can operate without the host country's consent or willingness to cooperate.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres attended an official ceremony in Baghdad to mark the conclusion of the political mission, which was established in 2003 following the US-led invasion of Iraq.